Other NI News In Brief

Lost Must Be Found

The families of the so-called 'Disappeared' have appealed for fresh information about where their loved ones were buried. As another festive season without their murdered family members looms they have jointly drafted a letter to national and local media outlets saying that some people with information had not contacted the Independent Commission for the Location of Victims' Remains. They have won support from Co Londonderry actor Jimmy Nesbitt (pictured) who is to add his voice to the call for anyone with information about the whereabouts of the Disappeared to come forward. The Coleraine man who is patron of victims' support group WAVE will meet some of the loved ones of the Disappeared on Tuesday. The bodies of 15 people killed by republicans during the Troubles are thought to be buried in secret locations. Following the setting up of a special commission to locate the remains in 1999, just four bodies have since been found.

Man Held On Derry Doorman Death

Detectives investigating the murder of Brian McGlynn in Londonderry last year have arrested a 50-year-old man. He was arrested in Strabane on Tuesday morning and taken to Antrim police station.

Oil Blamed For Feed Scare

What has been described as 'unlicensed oil' being utilised at an animal feed factory was blamed this week for the international food scare that has threatened thousands of jobs and will result in the destruction of 100,000 pigs. The Republic's multimillion-euro pig industry was plunged into further chaos as slaughterhouses refused to open this week for business until the government offered a rescue package. Around 1,500 workers were put on protective notice as pork producers faced an £87 million bill from the recall of all pork products from around the world. Tests at a food recycling plant caught at the centre of the crisis revealed oil used in a burner to heat food products being recycled into animal feed was "inappropriate".

Shot Fired At Home

The PSNI in Downpatrick are today investigating a gun attack on a house. A single shot was fired through a window into the living room window of a house in the Seaforde Road. It caused damage but there were no injuries, said a spokeswoman.

Student Fees Highlighted

Employment and Learning Minister, Sir Reg Empey, today refuted any claim that his Department has failed to deliver movement on the review of variable fees and student finance arrangements. Re-emphasising his public commitment to date, Sir Reg said: "I have consistently made it clear that the Review of Fees and Student Finance would commence during academic year 2008-09. Significant work has been underway to initiate this important review, indeed only last week I announced that the review would be chaired independently by Joanne Stuart, current Chairperson of the Institute of Directors in Northern Ireland. Also, as all key stakeholders were aware, Dr Alessandra Faggian had already been appointed to carry out the project," he insisted.

(BMcC)